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Fiddler's Hill

Hill, Mountain in Wiltshire

England

Fiddler's Hill

Former chapel, Winterbourne Bassett Former non-conformist chapel, now converted for residential use.
Former chapel, Winterbourne Bassett Credit: Vieve Forward

Fiddler's Hill is a prominent landmark located in the county of Wiltshire, England. This hill, more commonly referred to as a "barrow" or "tumulus," is situated near the village of Avebury, renowned for its Neolithic stone circle. Fiddler's Hill is an ancient burial mound that dates back to the Bronze Age, making it a significant archaeological site.

The hill stands at an elevation of approximately 110 meters (360 feet), offering striking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It features a distinctive conical shape, typical of barrows from this era. The mound itself measures around 30 meters (98 feet) in diameter and is covered in grass, giving it a verdant appearance.

Excavations conducted in the 19th and 20th centuries revealed that Fiddler's Hill contained multiple burial chambers, some of which contained cremated remains. These findings suggest that the mound served as a communal burial site for the local population during the Bronze Age.

Today, Fiddler's Hill attracts visitors interested in exploring the rich history of the region. It is easily accessible by foot, with a public footpath leading to the site from Avebury village. Visitors can take leisurely walks up the hill and take in the breathtaking views from its summit.

Being part of the Avebury World Heritage Site, Fiddler's Hill holds significant cultural and historical value. Its ancient origins and the surrounding landscape's beauty make it a fascinating destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Fiddler's Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.480138/-1.8333013 or Grid Reference SU1175. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Former chapel, Winterbourne Bassett Former non-conformist chapel, now converted for residential use.
Former chapel, Winterbourne Bassett
Former non-conformist chapel, now converted for residential use.
Seasonal stream I'm not sure if this is the winter bourne of Winterbourne Bassett but it most certainly is a seasonal stream.
Seasonal stream
I'm not sure if this is the winter bourne of Winterbourne Bassett but it most certainly is a seasonal stream.
Disused water trough Evidence that this area which is now arable land was once used to graze cattle.
Disused water trough
Evidence that this area which is now arable land was once used to graze cattle.
Nave facing west, St. Katherine's, Winterbourne Bassett
Nave facing west, St. Katherine's, Winterbourne Bassett
Hackpen Hill White Horse Taken from the slopes of Hackpen Hill after snowfall in December 2010, with the tail of the White Horse in the foreground.
Hackpen Hill White Horse
Taken from the slopes of Hackpen Hill after snowfall in December 2010, with the tail of the White Horse in the foreground.
Farmland, Broad Hinton A footpath to the southwest of the village follows this field boundary.
Farmland, Broad Hinton
A footpath to the southwest of the village follows this field boundary.
Wroughton monument - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton The canopied tomb of Sir Thomas (d.1597) and Lady Anne Wroughton is near the south door, the two kneeling figures face east. She has on a large widow's hood, and clasps a bible in her hands, their children, four sons and four daughters are represented below them.
Wroughton monument - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton
The canopied tomb of Sir Thomas (d.1597) and Lady Anne Wroughton is near the south door, the two kneeling figures face east. She has on a large widow's hood, and clasps a bible in her hands, their children, four sons and four daughters are represented below them.
Wroughton monument - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton (detail) The effigies of Sir Thomas Wroughton (d.1597), and his wife Lady Anne.
Wroughton monument - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton (detail)
The effigies of Sir Thomas Wroughton (d.1597), and his wife Lady Anne.
Glanville monument - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton Lt Colonel Francis Glanville the second son of Sir John Glanville, Speaker of the House of Commons in 1640, was killed fighting for the king at the siege of Bridgwater in 1645. His alabaster figure in armour stands in a niche, his right hand is holding a banner with his coat of arms. Above him hangs his own real armour, a helmet, gauntlets, and to the right, a replica of his sword (the original is in the Tower of London). The sides of the niche are decorated with small alabaster reliefs of victories, whilst below his feet is a rather grisly panel, normally hidden from view by a bench (I moved it temporarily to one side). It depicts the reclining figure of a half naked woman, whose facial features are contorted in an expression of agony. <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2824858" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2824858">Link</a>
Glanville monument - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton
Lt Colonel Francis Glanville the second son of Sir John Glanville, Speaker of the House of Commons in 1640, was killed fighting for the king at the siege of Bridgwater in 1645. His alabaster figure in armour stands in a niche, his right hand is holding a banner with his coat of arms. Above him hangs his own real armour, a helmet, gauntlets, and to the right, a replica of his sword (the original is in the Tower of London). The sides of the niche are decorated with small alabaster reliefs of victories, whilst below his feet is a rather grisly panel, normally hidden from view by a bench (I moved it temporarily to one side). It depicts the reclining figure of a half naked woman, whose facial features are contorted in an expression of agony. Link
Glanville monument - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton (detail 1) Lt Colonel Francis Glanville who died at the siege of Bridgwater, 1645. Some of the detailed alabaster reliefs on the sides of the niche can be seen here. An inscription in Latin around the niche is translated as 'A greater hero England never saw, ah happy did she oft produce his equal'.
Glanville monument - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton (detail 1)
Lt Colonel Francis Glanville who died at the siege of Bridgwater, 1645. Some of the detailed alabaster reliefs on the sides of the niche can be seen here. An inscription in Latin around the niche is translated as 'A greater hero England never saw, ah happy did she oft produce his equal'.
Glanville monument - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton (detail 2) Normally hidden behind a bench, this panel below the niche displays a figure of a half naked woman, whose features are contorted in an expression of agony.
Glanville monument - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton (detail 2)
Normally hidden behind a bench, this panel below the niche displays a figure of a half naked woman, whose features are contorted in an expression of agony.
Wroughton tomb - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton The tomb-chest of Sir William Wroughton who died in 1597, is a particularly fine example of the Early Elizabethan style. Sir William built the original Broad Hinton manor house in 1540 with stones from the dissolved Bradenstoke Priory.
Wroughton tomb - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton
The tomb-chest of Sir William Wroughton who died in 1597, is a particularly fine example of the Early Elizabethan style. Sir William built the original Broad Hinton manor house in 1540 with stones from the dissolved Bradenstoke Priory.
Wroughton tomb - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton (detail 1) Heraldic detail on top of the canopy, below which is part of an inscription that refers to Queen Elizabeth I.
Wroughton tomb - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton (detail 1)
Heraldic detail on top of the canopy, below which is part of an inscription that refers to Queen Elizabeth I.
Wroughton tomb - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton (detail 2) Fine strapwork detail on the tomb-chest of Sir William Wroughton.
Wroughton tomb - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton (detail 2)
Fine strapwork detail on the tomb-chest of Sir William Wroughton.
Monument to William Glanville - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton This wall tablet commemorates William Glanville (d.1680), the eldest son of Sir John Glanville, and brother of the ill fated Francis. <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2824818" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2824818">Link</a>
Monument to William Glanville - church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton
This wall tablet commemorates William Glanville (d.1680), the eldest son of Sir John Glanville, and brother of the ill fated Francis. Link
Church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton An Early English church, much restored by Ponting in 1879.
Church of St Peter ad Vincula, Broad Hinton
An Early English church, much restored by Ponting in 1879.
Broad Hinton buildings [1] The Crown is Broad Hinton's local public house. Broad Hinton is a small village off the road from Avebury to Wroughton road over Marlborough Downs.
Broad Hinton buildings [1]
The Crown is Broad Hinton's local public house. Broad Hinton is a small village off the road from Avebury to Wroughton road over Marlborough Downs.
Broad Hinton buildings [2] This attractive thatched building houses Broad Hinton's post office. Broad Hinton is a small village off the road from Avebury to Wroughton road over Marlborough Downs.
Broad Hinton buildings [2]
This attractive thatched building houses Broad Hinton's post office. Broad Hinton is a small village off the road from Avebury to Wroughton road over Marlborough Downs.
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Fiddler's Hill is located at Grid Ref: SU1175 (Lat: 51.480138, Lng: -1.8333013)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire

What 3 Words

///remote.flame.novel. Near Wroughton, Wiltshire

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Fiddler's Hill

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